Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Little Rock Zoo Director Mike Blakely to retire

Mike Blakely has announced his retirement effective Oct. 14 after 17 years as director of the Little Rock Zoo.

City Manager Bruce Moore said he'll announcement a replacement plan for leadership of the city facility next month.

Blakely became director in September 1999. He's worked at zoos since a summer job in Portland in 1967. He was director of Wildlife Safari in Oregon before his move to Little Rock. Several new exhibits have been added during his tenure, including the Arkansas Heritage Farm, Laura P. Nichols Penguin Pointe, Cheetah Outpost and Diamond Express train

In a release, Moore lauded Blakely's work:

“Mike helped build the Zoo into the world-class, accredited institution it is today,” Moore said. “His emphasis on education and conservation has set the standard and brought us exciting exhibits such as the Arkansas Heritage Farm. While we are sad to see him go, we are thankful for his many years of dedication to the City and most importantly to the Zoo family.”

The Little Rock Zoo announced today the death of Sidney, a 22-year-old female lion. The lion was euthanized after a corneal graft on her eye deteriorated. /more/

A Bornean orangutan has ventured outside at the Little Rock Zoo for the first time this wee since arriving from Omaha. The 23-year-old male is expected to be joined by a female in the fall in hopes they'll mate to help conserve the endangered species. /more/

The Little Rock Zoo reports that Kivu, a 24-year-old western lowland gorilla that arrived in June from a Santa Barbara zoo, is getting accustomed to his new larger surroundings and the previously all-female local gorilla population. /more/

The Little Rock Zoo announces a couple of new arrivals — yellow-backed duikers, or small antelopes native to forests in several African countries. There's a two-year-old female from the Dallas Zoo and a one-year male from the Cincinnati Zoo. /more/

Another new arrival at the Little Rock Zoo — a male western lowland gorilla. /more/

The Little Rock Zoo has added four female ostriches, which can be found near the resident black rhino. The three-year-old birds came from the Roaming Acres Farm in New Jersey. The zoo notes their long necks and powerful legs. /more/

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